I've not posted anything for a bit because, like everyone else, I've been busy. Unlike the many I admire here I've found nothing terribly instructive or amusing to yak about. I am still very much a student and glean what I can from those who've been immersed in the 'gardening/farming sustainability game' longer than I have.
We've had a few light frosts that've killed off the leaves on things like the squash plants but have left other things still struggling on. I check them out and work around them. I gather seed and from all the wonderful blogs I read I also gather priceless info. If for no other reason I will be forever grateful to the interwebs for such a cornucopia of knowledge.
Additionally, it's also the time of year to do alot of other chores, i.e., painting/staining things that the literally endless rains of summer prevented me from tackling earlier. So it's hurry up time now.
Anyone who lives in the country, or even quasi-countryish living, especially this far North, knows how much lugging, lifting, storing and preparing for the weather to come entails, even for me who is still lightyears from true sustainability. One is forced to think ahead...maybe that's the crux of the whole philosophy of sustainability, thinking ahead, what a novel notion! Wouldn't it be a kick if our politicians did such a radical thing?!
After this rather unsuccessful season growing my own has taken on a tremendous significance. I suspect that for many of us it's a stab at counterbalancing that utter feeling of powerlessness one has with every glance at the headlines. There is an undeniable political aspect to this notion of self reliance and in my daydream world I fantasize all those wasted suburban lawns and vacant city lots turned to healthful production. Where kids actually got the connection about where their food actually comes from..ah me. Unlike many I read who are naturally more optimistic than I, I don't envision such a thing happening until the trucks that roll no longer do so, and the shelves where the twinkies calcify are empty and the fryers of MacDonalds are cold will we see true change. And though I'm a world weary cynical old crone in my more even moments even I dare to hope a little.
Imagine this country not chronically ill from eating garbage and sitting sedentary all day. Can you? If so please let me know, I need a lift.
3 comments:
Randi, it really is hard to post this time of year. I think October will be even worse, oh well it is certainly not at the top of my priority list.
I can't share anything positive with you in regards to the masses and their inability to see the changes that will eventually be necessary. I suppose the most important thing is to at least be aware of what is happening...like you are.
Honestly, I so agree with you that until everything as we know it comes to a screeching halt nothing will change...and like you I don't see any light at the end of the tunnel either.
As a positive, if we can change even one person's life through example then we have accomplished something...right?
I was so pleased to see my stepson follow through on a garden this year (he hates veggies). Thus helping to ingrain into my grandson's still impressionable mind that real food does NOT have to come from the local grocer but from one's own sweat and labor right there in the back yard. That makes it all worthwhile.
It is really going to be interesting to watch over the years and see just how sick this nation has to become before they change their ideals regarding food.
The drug companies will fight tooth and nail to not promote healthy eating because it in no way benefits them. Eventually though I would assume that the masses will see the light...maybe.
We just try to do our own thing and not worry about others unhealth anymore, if anyone takes notice of our good healthy lifestyle perhaps they will start to think a little bit. It would seem that all this pollution and unhealth is a direct result of a consumer driven economy that seems to conveniently overlook the next generation...how long can it possibly continue?
We are still frost free! Yeah.
I think rather than focusing on the whole picture which is enough to make anyone just want to crawl under a rock you need to focus on the little picture. Small movements on local food, healthy eating start somewhere and living in Vermont we are so lucky to be where some of those small movements start. Hopefully baby steps spread across the country and it might take a lifetime but one can have hope that every time we plant a garden, talk about it, inspire others to do the same that like Johnny Appleseed we are planting small seeds that will grow into what we need as a country.
Mike and Anna,
Thanks for your kind and useful comments. When I begin to rant on this topic in Cassandra-like fashion in the real world it often falls on deaf ears. For many it's just too scary to imagine and therefore easier to not prepare at all. And yes, less so for folks who live where it's cold as Winter is a great 'waker-upper' when it comes to issues of survival.
Mike and El have become my role models over the year or so I've been reading them. They actually walk the walk and share with such stunning generosity. It is an honor to 'know' them.
I do feel insanely lucky to live where I do, despite the compressed growing season, and just reading these comments encourages me to keep on keepin' on! Thank you.
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